A survival craft capable of sustaining life at sea, required on all SOLAS vessels and capable of being launched under adverse conditions.
Quick facts
Regulation
SOLAS Chapter III
In practice
On watch, a seafarer must be ready to respond to the abandon-ship signal without hesitation. Lifeboats are inspected by port state control surveyors, who will check release hooks, engine starts, painter release, and on-load/off-load mechanisms. Falls and davits must be maintained to prevent accidental release, which has historically caused fatalities during routine exercises.
Regulatory detail & full definition
A survival craft governed by SOLAS Chapter III and tested to the standards of the LSA Code, the lifeboat must be capable of launching and manoeuvring under its own power within the time specified by the flag state. Every officer and rating is required to know the location and operation of their designated lifeboat, with regular drills mandated at intervals of no more than one month at sea.
On watch, a seafarer must be ready to respond to the abandon-ship signal without hesitation. Lifeboats are inspected by port state control surveyors, who will check release hooks, engine starts, painter release, and on-load/off-load mechanisms. Falls and davits must be maintained to prevent accidental release, which has historically caused fatalities during routine exercises.
Fully enclosed, free-fall, and open lifeboats each have distinct operational procedures. Officers must understand which type is fitted, the correct embarkation sequence, and how to operate the engine, steering, water spray system, and emergency equipment stowed inside. Passenger ships face additional prescriptive requirements under SOLAS regarding lifeboat capacity and embarkation arrangements.